Parliament
Long game: activism at Parliament
Their work is usually unpaid and sometimes overlooked, but activists play an important long-term role in the parliament system. Four veterans open up on their experiences at parliament. Audio
Behind the scenes of Cabinet
Rachel Hayward has two overlapping jobs, ‘organising’ both Cabinet and the Executive Council. Those twin roles are an also a great insight into how government works at the very highest level. Audio
Jacinda Ardern: Text and Photos - full valedictory
Prime Minister’s farewell speeches are rare events. We have photos, video and the full transcript of Jacinda Ardern’s valedictory address. Video, Audio
Booze bill blocked in conscience vote
Legislation on alcohol went to a conscience vote this week, and the result was a reminder how some parties still tend to vote as a group on such issues. Audio
The annual review debate: the butt-end of the budget
In a busy week of Parliament one of the most crucial things MPs did may have got the least attention. Financial scrutiny is seldom exciting but it is important. Audio
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern make valedictory speech
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has officially bowed out of Parliament, making her valedictory speech in the House. Video, Audio
Exits, entries and grog: the week in Parliament
Parliament's week includes a mix of debate on a key police scrutiny role, annual reviews and two bills about booze, as well as the farewell speech from a familiar face. Audio
Eight new bills for Parliament’s final months
Despite a week of distractions MPs were working. Hard. Ten bills were finished, and eight brand new bills began their lives, ready for the remaining weeks of this parliamentary term. Audio
Ten bills passed this week in Parliament
Parliament spent extra hours this week churning through quite a long list of proposed legislation, with ten bills completing their third and final readings. Audio
Extra scrutiny for Immigration
Question Time gets all the media attention, but it is only the tip of the scrutiny-iceberg. The action is below the waterline - in committee, where most of Parliament’s scrutiny of Government happens.
…Stuart Nash to remain Napier MP 'for now' after losing portfolios
Stuart Nash says he'll remain the MP for Napier "for now".
In a Facebook post, he's apologised to the people of Napier, and said he'll continue to work hard to ensure they get everything they need as… Audio
Enabling lawmaking on the fly
Parliament can grant powers to certain authorities to make new rules without having to go through the normal lengthy legislative process. Audio
Lawmakers’ election-year alarm clock
This week Parliament changes gears to kick start a bevy of proposed laws. It’s another sign the election is not far away.
Keeping the flow: the use of te reo at Parliament
An increased appetite to learn Te reo Māori among different parts of the Parliament system means the work of the Māori Language Service is in demand more than ever. Audio
The ominously named Shadow Leader
Parliament has a charming tendency to gift people with very odd job titles, like Shadow Leader of the House. Michael Woodhouse outlines what the job entails (and it's neither shade nor homes). Audio
Political pile-on or Parliament as designed?
This week MPs discussed Stuart Nash’s loss of a ministerial warrant for an hour. It may have looked like a political pile-on, but in reality it was Parliament doing exactly what it is designed for –… Audio
'Fairly busy': National Emergency Management Agency at committee
Response to recent climate disasters was the focus as the National Emergency Management Agency appeared before the Governance and Administration Committee for its annual review. Audio